PANAJI
Goa was put on Red Alert on Wednesday as a spell of intense rainfall lashed the State for the second consecutive day, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD-Goa) to issue a warning of possible flash floods and the risk of extensive damage to life and property.
The rainfall classified as ‘heavy to very heavy’ at a few places and extremely heavy in isolated pockets triggered water-logging, felling of trees, traffic congestion and the flooding of major roads and low-lying areas in both North and South Goa districts.
Besides possibilities of flash floods, the IMD Goa warned that visibility is likely to be poor during the downpour, traffic snarls, landslides, partial collapse of kutcha houses and huts, and severe disruptions in civic services including power and water supply. The slum areas along railway tracks, rivers and drains have been categorised as particularly vulnerable.
Panaji, Porvorim, Mapusa and Margao were among the worst affected by water-logging, which brought traffic to a halt over the last two days.
A major incident was reported in front of the Office of North Goa Collectorate, where a mango tree fell on over a dozen parked two-wheelers, damaging them.
As per the IMD, the heavy rain also posed a threat to Kharif crops including rice, maize and vegetables. Horticulture plantations and soil stability are also at risk with the IMD cautioning about soil displacement and seed damage in agricultural areas.
The IMD has placed Goa under an Orange Alert for the next two days, indicating continued high-intensity rainfall and a call for preparedness from local authorities and the public.
The IMD also urged citizens to remain indoors, avoid low-lying areas, avoid lying on concrete floors as well as leaning against concrete walls, unplug electrical appliances, etc and to take necessary precautions. Tourists are further advised not to venture into the sea.
